Honors for Rockford daughter, dad from Special Olympics family

ROCKFORD — Michele and Mark Panozzo will celebrate 25 years of Special Olympics this weekend, and they’ll do it as they’ve done the past two decades: together.

INSIDE: If you go

Corina Curry

ROCKFORD — Michele and Mark Panozzo will celebrate 25 years of Special Olympics this weekend, and they’ll do it as they’ve done the past two decades: together.

The father and daughter have been anchors of the Rockford Red Hots for 20 years — Mike serving as a coach for up to 45 athletes from the region, Michele competing in events ranging from track and field to bocce.

The Panozzos will be honored Saturday — Mark, 57, as Coach of the Year; Michele, 32 as Athlete of the Year — at the opening ceremonies of the annual Northwestern/Area 1 Spring Games at Harlem High School.

And while the recognition is thrilling, Mark said, nothing compares to the experiences he and Michele have been able to share over the years, the friendships they’ve made and the community they were welcomed into and helped grow.

“We wouldn’t trade it for the world. There are the health benefits and the social aspect of it, but what I like most is how it involves entire families. ... It becomes much bigger than sports and individual competitions. It’s more like a big family.”

From there to here
Michele’s accomplishments in Special Olympics can fill two tables at her dad’s home — one for medals and ribbons and team trophies, the other with photos and newspaper clippings.

Her participation began at age 8. Mark proudly shows off a photograph of Michele at her first games — her long brown hair in pigtails, her face filled with joy.

“Michele always has the biggest smile on her face at competitions. It’s not about the winning. It’s about participation and friendships.”

Michele, who has Down syndrome, graduated from Jefferson High School in 2001 at age 21. She’s been working at the Barbara Olson Center for Hope ever since, Mark said, working in the community three days a week at food pantries, delivering meals to the home-bound and sorting clothes at a donation center.

Athletically, she’s tried everything from basketball and bowling to running and softball throw. She’ll compete in the 50-meter run and softball throw this weekend, vying for a gold medal in one or both categories to advance to the state competition in June at Bloomington.

Panozzo sees a direct correlation between Michele’s participation in Special Olympics and the quality of her life.

“I’d recommend this for anyone wanting to see a special-needs child or adult reach their full potential, become more physically fit, improve motor skills and build self-confidence. They learn about training and rules, and they take all of these benefits with them into their daily lives. ... The experience, for us, has been priceless.”

Regional contests
About 1,500 athletes are in Area 1, a nine-county region in northwest Illinois.

There are 18 areas in the state, and each runs its own competition. It also hosts a number of tournaments throughout the year in basketball, bowling and volleyball.

The variety of sports allows athletes of all levels to participate in some way. Area Director Debbie Kelly said she’s proud to honor the Panozzos along with the Jim and Mary Thompson family (Volunteers of the Year) this weekend.

“Mark and Michele are showing people what individuals with disabilities and their families can do,” Kelly said. “We’ve always said, ‘This is about family.’ They really show what that’s all about.”